I have been using the XPS 12 for approximately two weeks, and I am very pleased. My machine is configured with the i5 processor, 8 gb of RAM and a 256 gb ssd. The performance is very satisfactory.

I have been very pleased with the form factor. I enjoy using the machine as a tablet as well as a traditional laptop. Granted the machine is a bit heavy to use as a tablet if you hold the tablet like one might hold your more typical tablet. But if you rest it on your lap while using it as a tablet, it is very easy and good to use as a tablet. About the only negative I would observe regarding the tablet experience is that when one uses the onscreen keyboard with the screen in tablet form, there is a bit of a echoing feedback and the screen part of the machine does not feel real solid. And the weight of the machine - as viewed from the laptop perspective - is wonderfully light.

The trackpad on this machine is a bit sensitive. I do have to be very careful in how I rest my hands on the machine to avoid unexpected actions.

I am finding Windows 8 to require a bit of a learning curve, but looking at Windows 8 as two operating systems - a tablet (touch) OS and a slightly updated (sans start button) version of Windows 7 for the traditional desktop usage has helped me climb the curve. I have also downloaded an app that restores a start button to the desktop and allows me to boot straight to the desktop. All that said, the modern interface apps are fun to use and I have not been too concerned about lack of app availability. I will note that many apps are a bit buggy and trail their iOS counterparts in bells and whistles and to some degree in appearance.

I am also VERY pleased with the video and sound on this machine. I do find the native 1920 x 1080 resolution to be a bit hard to use when using traditional desktop apps or a desktop browser interface. However, as anyone familiar with the Windows OS would understand, it is not too onerous to change the resolution.

Overall, however, I am very pleased with this machine and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Pros:I have had the Inspiron 1420 for six weeks now and thoroughly enjoy it / like it. I have the 4GB / 2/4 mhz configuration, so power / speed is fantastic. The 14" screen size provides a good balance between being productive and portability. I had it set up and productively using the laptop in less than an hour - what a painless experience!

Cons:Only two items:
* The Roxio Creater DE software used to burn DVDs pre-installed is not very intuitive - or at least it was not for me.
* I wish Dell would more clearly describe that 32 bit systems cannot fully utilize 4 GB of RAM. That said, as noted in the "pros," this machine does not lack for power.